While working yesterday on the readings for Sunday, June 6, I felt inspired to write a simple, gospel-flavoured chorus inspired by Luke 7:13, "Do Not Weep," a song about trusting in the power of love. To me, it feels like the kind of song which should be fleshed out in community, with additional verses improvised or composed as the Spirit moves, rather than something which should be set in concrete. And so I'm setting it free and inviting you to sing it - alone, with your friends, or in a larger community - and let me know where you see it going. I'll gather together as many suggestions as seem workable to me and send them out in a fuller version for us all to sing again, with credit given for anything of yours I use. Sound like fun? Surprise me!

The Psalms as always are a source of inspiritation to me. Flipping back and forth between anger and joy, between frustration and awe, these ancient songs are the most human part of scripture. Here's a few songs to help you get inside the psalms for June 6:

Psalm 146:5-6 - "Our help is in the name of our God" (pdf and bulletin graphic). A simple chorus in parts which can stand on its own or be used as a psalm refrain.

Psalm 30:5b - "Joy comes with the morning" (pdf and bulletin graphic). One of my favourite refrains for this alternate psalm reading for the day.

We would appreciate it if you would ensure the full copyright credits are included on any copies you make, and if you have a license from www.licensingonline.org, please record any songs of ours which you use in worship to help support us in our music making. You can also make a donation anytime for the use of our music, as you see fit, by clicking on the Pay Now button on our MelodicArts sales page.

Enjoy! We would appreciate it if you would ensure the full copyright credits are included on any copies you make, and if you have a license from www.licensingonline.org, please record any songs of ours which you use in worship to help support us in our music making. You can also make a donation anytime for the use of our music, as you see fit, by clicking on the Pay Now button on our MelodicArts sales page.

Are we filled with new wine? Or do we really hear many languages sounding as one? Pentecost is one of our favourite festivals, celebrating the coming of the Holy Spirit upon the disciples and marking the birth of the intercultural church. Here are a few songs to help you celebrate with Spirit!

"Come, Spirit, Come" (pdf and mp3) - a prayer for the healing presence of the Spirit, from our album Embracing Change.

"Send Out Your Spirit" (pdf) - a rhythmic chant in many voices, based on Psalm 104:30.

"Embracing Change" (pdf) - a prayer for the Spirit to be with us in the midst of change and challenge, , from our album Embracing Change.

We would appreciate it if you would ensure the full copyright credits are included on any copies you make, and if you have a license from www.licensingonline.org, please record any songs of ours which you use in worship to help support us in our music making. You can also make a donation anytime for the use of our music, as you see fit, by clicking on the Pay Now button on our MelodicArts sales page.

Ascension is one of our favourite festivals in the church year, whether we get to celebrate it on the actual day (ten days before Pentecost, so this year May 13) or on the Sunday following (May 16). Here are a couple of songs for you to enjoy with your community:

Psalm 47: "God has gone up with a shout" (pdf and bulletin graphic) - a brand new refrain for this traditional Ascension psalm

Luke 24:44-53: "Cry: Glory!" (pdf) - verses 51-53 tells us that after Jesus "was carried up into heaven" the disciples "returned to Jerusalem with great joy; and they were continually in the temple blessing God." So why not sing this lively song about giving thanks in the temple and wherever we are, based on words from Psalm 29?

We would appreciate it if you would ensure the full copyright credits are included on any copies you make, and if you have a license from www.licensingonline.org, please record any songs of ours which you use in worship to help support us in our music making. You can also make a donation anytime for the use of our music, as you see fit, by clicking on the Pay Now button on our MelodicArts sales page.